The basic problem for me is...that if I'm logged in as an admin....I want to see an "Admin Skin" from the point I log in and after...not just when I go to an item in the Admin menu.
In a nutshell, let me think, I believe you want a role base skin to display containers.
I read this thread a couple of times and I do confess, I was a bit tired, so it's interpretation was harder to do.
What you want is a container that shows no actions when people are viewing the site, but actions available when administering it??? Is that correct, well that's my take.
You know if you have created a skin you apply it to the admin page as well. The purpose of the admin skin is often it's a little wider in it's format to help design a skin that remains consistent for users and admnistrators. Simpy apply the skin to the admin page and it won't change.
You can do that as well with the containers to create a seamless skin/container environment that doesn't visually throw you out, and I do understand how it can cause confusion.
I've got a couple of containers on my site you can download - one is called none.. it takes away all container actions except when logged in as administrator.
But what you need to remember is different container options is to help a user identify where are they are in the site in relevence to it's behaviour, eg.. admin mode - there was a time where we had alot of questions about people not being able to see things, because there was no identification between being logged in as administrator or being the user, and now, we don't have those sort of questions, it was changed to make it very visible where you are.
You know you can globally set functions for the containers - EG.. on one module, go in to the settings and make the changes you want, and then further down the page you can set that as default.. eg. no print, no syndicate, no container if you wish.. and then only on the ones you want change do you go in and action it.
Sometimes understanding these things in the purpose and sequence can seem a bit off beat, but believe me, once you grasp some of the very good key elements of design and flow when working in this space, it does make sense, and it also helps you know where to look for things that may not be as documented as well.
I hope this gives you a little more insight - I have only interpreted as best as I can understand your question. And that's in morning, before my cup of tea!! So, I hope this gives you some answers you're looking for.
Nina Meiers